BOB, BRUCE AND ROCKO IMPRESS

Ian Fortune

There were a couple of very noteworthy displays at Shelbourne Park on Friday night. In all there were three finals up for decision and all three winners produced superb displays but none more so than Boylesports Bob as he gave an indication that he could be a future superstar.

IN terms of value, the final of the RCETS A3 525 was the feature and Dryland Bruce did what was needed to come home in front. Stepping up on his previous four bend efforts, the promising son of Droopy Sydney and Dryland Sally broke smartly to hold the lead into the turn.

Darbys Molie and Typical Bono battled it out for second spot just behind the pace-setter but neither could get back on terms. Darbys Molie won the battle for second and chased Dryland Bruce hard into the third turn but there was no stopping Declan’s Byrne rapidly improving youngster.

Running right to the line, Dryland Bruce emerged a comfortable length and a half scorer in 28.62. Darbys Molie was second with Typical Bono finishing well to sit just a half length away in third. 

BRILLIANT BOB SENDS OUT A WARNING

The aforementioned Boylesports Bob said goodbye to graded racing in some style in the final of the RCÉ A2 525.

A big eye-catcher in previous starts at Shelbourne Park, it seemed only a matter of time before he went really fast for Paul Hennessy and his owners John Boyle and Ned Murphy.

They didn’t have to wait long. Bred in the purple as a son of Derby champion Good News and the top-class Roanna Bess, the October ’21 whelp broke much better than in previous outings to challenge for the early lead with 28.25 semi-final scorer Coonough Mary.

The duo eased into a narrow lead over the pack into the turn with Boylesports Bob just showing in front. By the time they entered the back straight Boylesports Bob had three quarters of a length in hand but he was now starting to move through the gears.

Despite the best efforts of the exciting Coonough Mary, Boylesports Bob took control down the far side. Two lengths in front by the third turn, he was relentless all the way to the line. Easing clear on the run in, Boylesports Bob went on to take the prize by four lengths in a stunning 28.04. Have no doubt, a step up to 550yds will really suit the winner and he falls into the “could be anything category”.

ROCKO TOO STRONG

The first final up for decision was that of the Barking Buzz App A1 525 and Clona Rocko was simply too strong for his rivals for the second week running.

A narrow winner of his semi-final, Daniel Kerr’s son of Ballymac Bolger and Bellmore Lucy turned even closer this time before running clear of his rivals at the business end.

Innfield Jet set a strong pace but his fate was sealed when Clona Rocko turned second. The Michael Taggart trained Clona Rocko moved with real fluency into the third turn to take charge and he quickly moved into a decisive lead. Innfield Jet attempted to rally but it was futile. Clona Rocko took the verdict by two and a half lengths in 28.41.